Friday, July 25, 2008
CODE OF MEDICAL ETHICSInternational Code of Medical Ethics of the World Medical Association - 1949
Adopted by the Third General Assembly of the World Medical Association at London in October 1949. (World Medical Association Bulletin, vol. 1, no. 3, October 1949, pp.109, 111).
[CIRP Note: The two most important parts of this code for the study of the ethics of child circumcision may be 1) the statement "Any act, or advice which could weaken physical or mental resistance of a human being may be used only in his interest", 2) the requirement to be "loyal" to his patient, 3) the requirement to "observe the principles of The Declaration of Geneva", because that document requires that a doctor must not use "medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity", and 4) the requirement that a doctor must "practice his profession uninfluenced by motives of profit."]
Duties of Doctors in General
A doctor must always maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
A doctor must practice his profession uninfluenced by motives of profit.
The following practices are deemed unethical:
Any self advertisement except such as is expressly authorized by the national code of medical ethics;
Collaborate in any form of medical service in which the doctor does not have professional independence;
Receiving any money in connection with services rendered to a patient other than a proper professional fee, even with the knowledge of the patient.
Any act, or advice which could weaken physical or mental resistance of a human being may be used only in his interest.
A doctor is advised to use great caution in divulging discoveries or new techniques of treatment.
A doctor should certify or testify only to that which he has personally verified.
Duties of Doctors to the Sick
A doctor must always bear in mind the obligation of preserving human life from conception. Therapeutic abortion may only be performed if the conscience of the doctors and the national laws permit.
A doctor owes to his patient complete loyalty and all the resources of his science. Whenever an examination or treatment is beyond his capacity he should summon another doctor who has the necessary ability.
A doctor shall preserve absolute secrecy on all he knows about his patient because of the confidence entrusted in him.
A doctor must give emergency care as a humanitarian duty unless he is assured that others are willing and able to give such care.
Duties of Doctors to Each Other
A doctor ought to behave to his colleagues as he would have them behave to him.
A doctor must not entice patients from his colleagues.
A doctor must observe the principles of The Declaration of Geneva approved by The World Medical Association.
Cite as:
World Medical Association. International code of medical ethics. World Medical Association Bulletin 1949;1(3): 109, 111.
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Principles of medical ethics
Preamble
The medical profession has long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the benefit of the patient. As a member of this profession, a physician must recognize responsibility to patients first and foremost, as well as to society, to other health professionals, and to self. The following Principles adopted by the American Medical Association are not laws, but standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behavior for the physician.
Principles of medical ethics
A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical care, with compassion and respect for human dignity and rights.
A physician shall uphold the standards of professionalism, be honest in all professional interactions, and strive to report physicians deficient in character or competence, or engaging in fraud or deception, to appropriate entities.
A physician shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient.
A physician shall respect the rights of patients, colleagues, and other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences and privacy within the constraints of the law.
A physician shall continue to study, apply, and advance scientific knowledge, maintain a commitment to medical education, make relevant information available to patients, colleagues, and the public, obtain consultation, and use the talents of other health professionals when indicated.
A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies, be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide medical care.
A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing to the improvement of the community and the betterment of public health.
A physician shall, while caring for a patient, regard responsibility to the patient as paramount.
A physician shall support access to medical care for all people.
Adopted by the AMA's House of Delegates June 17, 2001.
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